Single Song Sunday

We haven't done one of these for a while, but we're back with a bang. A smooth and subdued bang, admittedly, but a bang nonetheless.

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" is one of the many fine songs written by John D. Loudermilk. It was first recorded in 1962 by one Don Cherry - judging by the rather decidedly square sound, I'm guessing not the trumpet tootling jazz improvising father of Neneh and Eagle-Eye of the same name. But it wasn't a hit until The Casinos took it into the Top 10 in the US in 1967. Eddy Arnold then had a number one country hit with it the following year.

We kick things off with those three for form's sake, but they are probably my three least favourite versions out of today's selection. The possible exception is the version by The Puddle. They are from New Zealand, this track is from an album released on Flying Nun Records called "No Love - No Hate", and I can't work out which of those best describes my feelings.

The other six versions (technically five and a half as Glen Campbell does it as part of a medley) are all excellent though. If forced to choose only one I would probably go for Bettye Swann, narrowly ahead of Barbara Lynn and Solomon Burke, but Gene & Debbe's pop-country crooning is a pleasant surprise. The Mandatory Reggae Version comes courtesy of Gene Rondo, who in a further case of identity confusion is presumably not Debbe's partner.

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Don Cherry

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - The Casinos

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Eddy Arnold

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Bettye Swann

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Barbara Lynn

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - The Puddle

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Solomon Burke

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Gene & Debbe

"Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Gene Rondo

"Don't Pull Your Love/ Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye" - Glen Campbell
    
And here is another very nice rendition to finish things off.